Machine for marking textile and other articles



July 6, 1943. H. RICHTER ET A1.

MACHINE FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES '7 Sheets-SheeI 1 Filed Dec. 4, 1939 .Ill

my 5 1943 H. RICHTER ET AI. 2,323,843

MACHINE FoE MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Deo. 4, 1939 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 pa/wg@ 0%@ .July s, 1943.

H. RICHTER ET AL MACHINE FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Deo. 4, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 puy 6 1943 H. RICHTER ET AL I 2,323,843

MACHINE FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Dec. 4, 1939 '7 sheets-sheet 4 July 5, 1943. H. RICHTER ETA',

MACHINE FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Dec. 4, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 bbw.

www s mmm July 6,l 1943. H, RlcHTER ETAL i 2,323,843

MACHINE FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Dec. 4. 1939 '7 sheets-sheet e July 6, 1343. H. RICHTER FAL 2,323,333

MACHINE' FOR MARKING TEXTILE AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed Dec. 4. 1939 v sheets-snee@ v l ONEJVCLE 5' m Q0 60 80 /00 /EQ /O A30 /80 200 22D a0 260 260 300 320 SEU 3;

Patented July 6, 1943 MACHINE Foa MARKING Tax'rrm AND ornaa ARTICLES Henry Richter and John H. Wahlheck, Kankakee,

and Leonard S. Kleinfeld, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Paramount Textile Machinery Co., Chicago, lll., a corporation of Illinois W f Application December 4, 1939, Serial No. 307,458

14 Claims.

This invention has reference to the ailixing of printed indicia. to articles of various kinds, particularly textile articles and fabrics and the provision of means to facilitate the printing of such indicia by' rendering the majority of the operations involved automatic, therebyv lessening operator fatigue, increasing production and improving the quality of the work.

The invention will be described as particularly related to the printing of indicia on hosiery, although it will be apprehended that the machine and method are capable of performing the operation on other types of articles, textile or otherwise, to which printed indicia, e. g. a transfer label is to be applied.

Hosiery is presently largely identied as to brand name, size, quality, composition or other desired reading matter, by impressing the same on the surface thereofthrough the use of tape carrying such indicia in the form of transfers.

Such tape is supplied to the hosiery manufacturer, by companies specializing in its manufacturey in the form of a relatively narrow roll of tissue paperof substantial length imprinted with the desired legend, for example, the size of the stocking. Such imprinting is done from engraved dies which deposit the printed matter on the tape in colored wax or other substance of low melting point, a plurality of such impressions being repeated at substantially equally spaced intervals throughout the length of the tape. Although the transfer manufacturer is able to space such impressions withv little or no variation in distance between them, atmospheric conditions diierent from those 0bvtaining at the time printing of the tape is performed will aiiect the tissue paper to vary such spacing. Even though such variation between a pair of transfers may be minute, the accumulation of such errors in a long section of tape comprising a large number of transfers, will throw the transfers out Iof register with the printing vposition on the machine used for imprinting the transfer, notwithstanding the tape may be fed thereto at as uniform a rate as possible.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a machine which will automatically feed such tape to locate each transfer accurately at the stamping position independently of the feeding rollers and determined solely by the transfer itself then being moved to stamping position.

Most transfers used for hosiery are of the heat responsive type, i.e. a wax indicia is transferred from the tape to the fabric by a heated iron. Imprinting of the heat responsive transfer on the stocking is performed by placing the transfer between the iron and the stocking and then using the iron to press the tape and hence the transfer thereon against the stocking. The heat of the iron quickly melts the wax impression oi the tape and on to the stocking in the desired position. A fresh transfer is used for each impression.

Heretofore such printing operation has been mainly performed manually by the use of an iron picked up by the operator after having manually drawn a fresh transfer from a roll into position. Such procedure is extremely slow and expensive. Flnthermore, the transfer is not located in the same position on every stocking, resulting in non-uniform appearance of successive articles. Some semi-automatic machines for operating the iron are available, but these depend on manual positioning of the tape. These machines are likewise inefcient and lack the speed required in modern mill production.

'I'herefore a. further object of the invention is the provision of positivemeans to automatically operate the iron upon the mere placing' of the stocking in printing position.

A further object is the provision of a machine having means for accurately positioning thev stocking with respect to the tape and iron.

Further objects are to obtain a machine which f is compact, simple, rapid and foolproof in operation. Additional objects will be discerned as the description proceeds.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the complete machine;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine;

Figure 3 is a left side elevation of the machine;

chine;

Figure 5 is a combined electrical and mechanical diagram to illustrate the functioning of the machine;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a modified form of the tape registering part of the machine;

Figure 7 is a partial combinedelectrical and mechanical diagram of a modied form of startstop mechanism;

Figure 8 is a partial view of a further moie form of start-stop mechanism;

Figure 9 is a timing diagram showing the relative operations' of the various parts of the machine;

Figure 4 is a right side elevation of the ma- Figure l is a modified form of tape feeding device; and

Figure 1l is a detail of aportion of the clutch.

In some of the gures some inconsequentialI parts have been broken away for clarity.

The machine as disclosed herein is capable oftwo separate uses or of both combined. In

some cases a machine embodying only automatic mechanism for initiating and terminating a cycle of operations may be more desirable on account of its simplicity of construction, and sincezmanual registration of the tape may not be objectionable for certain classes of goods. In other cases where the i'ullyI automatic form of the machine is preferred both the automatic start and stop feature and the tape registration feature are employed. Accordingly, the description will be dlvided as to each to assist in a more complete understanding of the invention. These are: (1) Starting and stopping mechanism and (2) tape registering mechanism.

Starting and stopping mechanism-Construction Referring to the Figures 1, 2 and 3, the frame 8 is comprised of four legs I0 supporting a lower shelf I'I, an intermediate shelf I2, and a top i3,

. 22. Shaft 23 is supported at one end in the journal 24 and at its other end by a pilot 25 taking into a mating hole 28 in shaft I1. The driven y escasas 18-18 mounted on shelf |2. An idler sprocket 11 rotatably supported on arm 18 is adjustable by bolt 19 to maintain tension of chain 13, all in a commonly known manner.

Also xed to cam shaft is the gear 18a which, through intermediate idler gear 80a jour- 'nalled at 8|a on the frame, drives gear 82a free to revolve on feed shaft 83a journalled at 80, 80. Pivoted on one face of gear 82a are the two diametrally opposite pawls 82, 82 urged by springs (not shown), in the usual way, into contact with a ratchet wheel 84 aiilxed to shaft 83a. Also amxed to shaft 83a is the cylindrical hand grip 85 for a purpose to be explained.

Fastened to the end of shaft 83a is lower tape feed roller 88 and superposed thereover idler tape feed roller 81. Roller 88 may be covered with rubber or other suitable frictional material, knurled, or serrated axially, to grip better the transfer tape 88 fed between said rollers. Afxed to shaft 83a is a grooved pulley 92, which, through belt 83 drives pulley 94 affixed to slack take up shaft 95. Said shaft 95 is journalled at one end on bracket 98 aiiixed to table I3 and has fixed thereto a take-up' roller 91 having a superposed idler roller 98 loosely journalled at slotted holes 99, 99 in U-shaped support |05.

r`Roller 93 is preferably of solid metal or is weightf medium of an adjustable screw, nut and locknut half 21 of clutch 22 has a Sliding fit on the Shaft 23 and is adapted to rotate the same by engagement of key 28 therein sliding in a slot29 axially of shaft 23 (Figure 5).

'Ihe mechanism for engaging and disengaging clutch halves I8 and 21 comprises a rocker 32 free to swing on a iixed pivot 33 mounted in support 34 fastened to shelf I. Said rocker 32 is normally urged clockwise as seen in Figure i by spring 38 attached to shelf I'I. Rocker 32 is provided with pins 36 and 31 adapted to engage the tail 38 of a lever 39 pivoted also at 33.

Lever 39 divides near the shaft 29 into a circular yoke 42 surrounding the hub of clutch half 21, and diametrically opposed pins 43, 48 projecting inwardly from said yoke engage a circumferential groove 44 in the hub (Figure 5). 'I'he upper half of yoke 42 continues upwardly into an extension arm 45 pivotally connected at 48 to a link 41 which in turn is pivotally connected at 48 to a latch 49. Said latch 48 is pivoted at 52 on support 34 and terminates in a finger `83 adapted to engage radial notches 54 and 55 formed in the rear face 50 of clutch half 21 or to bear against the said face. Referring to Figure 11 it willbe noted that notches 54 and 55 have the leading face slightly rounded at the outer corner, while the trailing face is square at the outer corner, all for a purpose to be described.

To the lower end of rocker 32 there is connected through link 62 the plunger 53 of a solenoid 84 aflixed to shelf by a bracket 85.-

Fixed to the shaft 23 is a sprocket 12 connected by a roller chain 13 to sprocket 14 in turn xed on cam shaft 15 journalled in bearings ed in some convenient way to cause roller 91 to frictionally engage and feed tape 88. Idler roller 98 may also be covered with rubber, serrated or knurled, to increase the friction against the tape.

Roller 81 is journalled at "l2-|02 in a frame |03 swingable at one end at |04|04 on the U-shaped bracket |05 fastened to table I3. Frame |08 and hence roller 81 are urged downwardly by a spring |08 fixed to the table I3 at one end and to frame |03 at the other through the |01, whereby pressure between the rollers 88 and 31 may be adjusted.

Forming part of the frame |03 transversely thereof is a blade adapted t0 abut a pad ||2 at the free end of a U-shaped swingable arm ||3 pivoted at |I4-II4 on the under side of the frame |03. An integral cross-bar ||5 of arm ||3 is engaged by the tip ||8 of cylindrical slide |1. 'Iip IIB is adjustable vertically by lbeing threaded into slide II1and has a locknut ||9. Slide ||1 is freely slidable vertically in, and guided by, sleeve |22 mounted by means of a ange ||9 in the table I3, but is constantly urged upwardly by coil spring |23 located between cam roller support I 24 and collar |25 aiilxed t0 slide II1.

Said support |24 carries the cam roller |28 normally in contact with the periphery of setting cam |21 fixed to camshaft 15. Said support |24 is affixed by screw I2| at the lower end of a rod |32 slidable in a hole |33 centrally of slide ||1 and is free to slide vertically therein. A pin 34 fastened through rod |32 and engaging slots |35 in the walls of slide ||1 prevents rotation of rod |32 and support |24 while permitting vertical movement thereof.

A lug |38 fastened at |31 to slide ||1 is normally engaged by a roller |38 pivoted at |39 on the outstanding leg |42 of latch |43. Latch |43 is pivoted at |44 on the frame of the machine and is normally urged counterclockwise (Figure 5) by spring |45 extending between latch |43 and the machine frame. A link |46 connects latch |43 to the plunger |41'of a solenoid |48 supported on the frame.

The transfer tape 88 usually employed is comprised of tissue paper printed with the required indicia, as for example, the size of the stocking. and using a printing medium of wax or other suitable material of low melting point combined with coloring matter of the desired shade. By the use of engraved dies in the printing operation the indicia are deposited4 at regular intervals along the length of the tape as shown in Figure 5 at |52, |52 etc., but as explained heretofore variations in manufacture and atmospheric conditions may vary such spacing so that when the tape is ready for use the space intervals practically always differ from each other.

If the present invention is to be used only as to its start and "stop features, then the tape is of the'standard type bearing only the indicia desired to be,printed on the articles.- However. if the tape registering means to 'be described hereinafter are also employed then the tape is printed with register marks |53, |53, etc., one

painto each indicium, preferably along both margins, each pair thereof bearing a fixed relation to its associated indicium. Since the length of tissue between any selected indicium |52` and its associated pair of register marks |53, |53 is quite short. atmospheric or other causes will have no noticeable effect in varying the distance between them, at least insofar as proper function ing of this invention is concerned.

Printing -of register marks |53, |53 is prefer- .ably done' at the same time as the indicia |52 and for convenience, with the same substance. Since -the deposition of such substance on the tissue tape is in the nature of embossing, there must be a register mark on each margin ofthe tape, otherwise the thickness of saidmarks, if o n one margin only, would cause the roll of tape to build up onthat margin and the tissue could notbe rolled Vinto a uniform cylinder. Of course it will be obvious from what follows that marks |53, |53 could'consist of a narrow band entirely across the tape, but this would be more expensive in ifs consumpti-on of printing substance.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the roll |54 of transfers is mounted freely on a spindle |55 supported on a post |56 mounted on table I3. The

tapel 88 thence passes downwardly over idling guide rollers |51, |58, |59 carried on 'a frame |62 supported at |60 on printing iron carrying arm |63; thence towards the rear of the machine under idling guide rollers |64, |65, |66; thence upward over idling guide roller |61;v between feed rollers 86 and 81; between blade III and pad II2; thence between take-up rollers 91 and 98, and through a chute |68, supported on table.

I3, to a waste box (not shown).

On top of table I3 is a stocking locating gauge tained in a. metal sheath, so that by casting the aluminum integrally with the sheath excellent conduction of heat from the element to the body of the iron is obtained.

Terminals |84 of the element are connected by means of conductors |85 to the main current supply lines |86, I86a, one of said conductors having interposed therein a manually operated rheostat |81 by. which current in the element |83 and hence temperature of the iron |82 is controlled depending on the weight of the goods being processed and the density of the transfer.

Iron |82 is carried in the forward extremity of I arm |63 (Figure 4), the opposite end of which is supported on a slide 23| `taking into a guide 232 fastened to the table I3. Transverse position of the arm'l63and its iron |82 is maintained b'y means of a guide post 228 carried in a support 229e fastened to the table top I3, the said post slidably engaging'a hole 230 in the arm |63. Slide 23| terminates at its lower end in a U-member 233 (Figure 1) carrying cam roller 234 bearing on iron operating cam 235 aixed to shaft 15. Contact between cam 235 and follower 234 is maintained by means of the weight of the arm |63, iron |82 and other associated parts assisted by spring 229 aiixed to the inner extremity of arm |63 and the table I3.

A main line switch |88 serves to disconnect the machine from its source of power. Said switch is preferably of the type including automatic protection to shut olf the power in the event overload occurs in the mechanism.

As a common procedure imprinting of the transfer is done usually ononly one of a. pair of stockings, and frequently during, before or after |12 (Figure 2) adjustable forward and backwardv by means of a pair of slotted holes |13 and screws |14. Idler rollers |64 and |65 are supported on |12. A pair of upstanding lugs |10 are adapted to be engaged by the stocking. The hosiery or other article I1I to be stamped is laid in position on table I3 and against lugs |10 as shown inFigure 5, to locate said article with respect to the indicium on the tape. There may also be provided other gauges (not shown) to locate the article to be stamped sidewise of the table and in proper relation to the tape.

.Situate centrally over a selected indicium is the pressing iron |82, preferably of cast aluminum and with which is integrally incorporated the electrical heating-element |83. The latter is preferably of the type in which the resistance wire is embedded in an insulating and heat resisting compound, e. g. magnesium oxide, cona rider ticket or folded sticker is amxed over the ends of Va pair by the operator, in 4accordance with common practice. The pair of stockings |92 is laid on table I3 against gauge ITD-|10 and against an end stop (not shown) if preferred.

At some convenient place under the area occupied by the stockings a hole |93 is pierced in table I3 (Figures 2 and 5). Located centrally below hole |93 is a low voltage incandescent lamp |94 of common type connected by conductors |95 to the terminals of the secondary side of voltage reducing transformer |96, which has its primary side connected by conductors |91 to mains |86, I86a. Lamp |94 is contained in protective housing 20| supported on bracket 202 mounted on the frame of the machine.

Positioned directly above lamp |94 is photoelectric cell 203 contained in housing 204. supported on rod 200 mounted in table I3. As seen in Figure 5, said cell 203 is of a common type, including a semi-cylindrical cathode 205 'of base metal, e. g. silver, coated with a light sensitive surface, e. g. caesium oxide; and an anode 206 consisting of straight wire electrode mounted along the axis -of the cathode. Both anode and cathode are sealed inside an evacuated glass bulb- 201, sometimes filled with a Suitable gas at a low pressure to improve its operation. The functioning of such cell is well known and calls for no further elaboration here, beyond mentioning that when light rays 268 from lamp |94 impinge on cathode 205 an additional currentis generated in conductors 209 connected to said anode and cathode. Said lconductors 209 form part of a relay circuit represented generally in dotted lines at 2 I2, and consists of input conductors 2|3, 2|3a connected to main line |86. |86a, rectifying tubes 2|4, 2I4 to convert the alternating current of main lines |86, |86a to direct current to operate the amplifier tube 2|5, and a magnetic relay 2I8."

Said relay is provided with an armature 2|1, an inner contact 2|8 and an outer contact 2l9.

Armature 2|1 is connected to one side of main line |86, by conductor 223 and lead 2| 3, and is normally held against contact 2|9 by spring erated in photoeiectric cen 26a-1s ampnned by tube 2|5 to operate magnetic relay 2I6, all for a purpose to be described later. Aiiixed also to shaft 15 are timing cams 24| and 242, proyided respectively with rises 244 and 245 respectively. Each cam has associated therewith a set of contact points 241 and 241a; 240 and 248e respectively, the movable contact point 241a, 248a in each case being provided with a roller 25| bearing on its respective cam. Said contact points are mounted in housing 2411 and 248D (Figure 1) respectively fastened in any convenient manner to the machine frame.

Movable contact 241a is connected by conductor 255 to relay contact point 2|8, and movable contact 248a by conductor 256 to contact 2|9. Fixed contacts 241 and 248 are both connected by conductor 251 to one terminal of solenoid 64, the other terminal of said solenoid being connected by conductor 258 to one side of power mains |86a.

Tape registering mechanism-Construction Also situate below the table I3 is a second incandescent lamp deriving current through conductors 262 from transformer |96. A housing 263 carried at 264 on the machine frame carries a convex lens 265 and said lamp 26|. Said lens converges the light beam from lamp 26| t0 a pencil of rays 266 which passes through an opening 261 in table top I3, thence through transparent tape 88 and impinges on cathode 21.0 of photoelectric cell 269.. 268 represents the cathode of said cell. A housing 213 mounted on table I3 protects and carries said cell 269.

A third timing cam 243 is also aXed t shaft and is provided with a rise 246 and a pair of contact points 249 and 249a, the latter having a follower roller 25| bearing on said cam. A hous ing 249D mounts said contacts.

Inclosed in a cabinet 29| is a' regulator unit comprising generally a grid glow tube 292, pentode amplifier tube 293 and transformer 294. Primary 30| of transformer 294 is connected to main line leads |86, |86a. Partial secondary winding 302 supplies lower voltage current through leads 303 to heater 304 of amplifier 293.

Necessary direct current` operating voltage for photocell 269 is derived from rectifier 3|I connected across partialsecondary winding 3|2 of transformer 294 by means of leads 3|3. Output conductor 3I4 of rectifier 3|| is connected direct to cathode 210, and conductor 3|5, re actance 3|1, resistances 3|8 and 3I9, conductor 322, v'resistance 323 and conductor 3|5 form the circuit connecting the other output terminal of rectifier 3|| to the anode 268. The current impulses generated in cell 269 control the grid 325 of amplifier 293. v

v Rectier 3|I may be of any type for converting alternating to direct current but the one shown is of the well-known bridge circuit type comprising a plurality of oxidized copper washers clamped together to supply rectified potential.

Reactance 3|1 allows direct current to be supplied to plate 3|8 of tube 293.

Grid glow tube 292 serves as a quick-acting asaaaca non-mechanical relay to utilize the minute ire` quent impulses emanating from phototube 268,

after they have been amplied by tube 283, toy

operate an external machine control circuit to be described.

Filament 820 of grid glow tube 232 derives alternating lower voltage current from secondary winding 32| of transformer 294. The grid 324 receives controlling impulses from grid 325a of amplifier 293l through conductor 326 and plate 321 is connected by lead 328 to contact 249.

Contact 24 9a is connected through `conductor 332 to conductor 333 which connects one terminal of solenoid |48 to one side of rectifier 334. The other terminal of the solenoid |'40 is connected through lead 38,5 to the yother side of rectifier 334. 'This rectifier will tend to smooth out the alternating current ripple caused by the rectified alternating current voltage in the load circuit comprising thev solenoid if the reactance of the load, i. e. solenoid |48, is suiciently high and the load current is low.

It will be noted that grid glow tube 292 is in a series circuit comprising solenoid |48, secondary winding 338 of transformer 294conductor 320d and contacts 249, 249er, so that said tube is connected to function as a relay to open and close said circuit.

Operation Vrlpts light rays 208 which have theretofore been impinging on cathode 205 of phototube 203. Relay 2|6 is thereby energized and draws its armature 2|1 against contact 2|8 to close a circuit as follows: power main |86, line 2I3, line 223, armature 2| 1, contact 2|8, line 255, contacts 241a and 241, line 251, solenoid 64, line 258 to the other main |86a, whereupon solenoid 64 actuates its plunger 63 to move rocker 32 against action of its spring 35. Rocker 32 moves until pin 31 strikes arm 38 which pivots on 33 to engage` non-rotating sliding clutch half 21 with rotating half I8. By use of the pin 31 the rocker 32 is not permitted to pick up lever 38 until plunger 63 has gained sulcient momentum to engage clutch 22 positively, the weight of rocker 32 yielding a hammer-blow action. At the moment arm 45 is moving clockwise to engage the clutch the lever 49 is being moved likewise through link 41 about 52 to withdraw latch 53 from notch 54 (Figure 11).

Upon withdrawal of latch 53 from said notch and movement of clutch half 21 into engagement, the flat side of latch 53 bears against surface 50 of said clutch half 21 and maintains the clutch in engagement even though solenoid 64 is deenergized. It is undesirable and unnecessary to permit current Ato iiow through said solenoid during the time that the clutch is desired in engagement and accordingly cam 24| has, immediately after clutch engagement, rotated to move its rise 244 away from roller 25| and permit contacts 241 and 241a to open and deenergize the solenoid 64.

Shaft 23 is thereupon driven from the motor and begins its rotation. Cam 235permits plunger 23| to lower the iron |82 against the transfer |52 Just brcughtinto position thereunder and Ation tape 88 is moving to bring thetransfer to be used under the iron in the following manner; when the machine is at rest solenoid |48 is denergized and latch |43 has its roller |38 engaged with lug |36 byspring |45. Plunger ||1 is therefore restrained in its lower position against spring |23, bail ||2 is out of contact with the tape 88 between it and blade and feed rollers 86 and 81 are grippingthe tape. Rotation of roller 86, initiated when the clutch was engaged, is feeding the tape towards the rear of the machine.

Just prior to the surface of the iron |82 touching the tape, cam 243 allows contacts 249 and 249a to close to form a circuit as follows: secondary lcoil 339, conductor 335, solenoid |48, line 333, contacts 249 andA 249a, plate 321 of grid glow tube 292, anode 324, cathode 320, coil 32|, conductor 320a to secondary v339, so that current from transformer 294 will energize solenoid |48 if tube 292 can carry current to complete the circuit just outlined. The setting up Vof the aforesaid circut will create a space charge in the tube. However, at this time one of the register marks |53 has moved to intercept the pencil of light rays 266 so that they no longer impinge on cathode 210 of phototube 269. Accordingly, this interruption of light will, through the cir- A cuit comprising photocell 269, conductors 3|4 and 3|5 and amplier 293, influence grid 324 to break down the field in grid glow tube 292 so that it will carry current to complete the circuit aforesaid. Hence `solenoid |48 operates its plunger |41 to unlatch plunger H1 which moves upward rapidly under urging of spring |23, with a trigger motion to raise bail ||2 against blade ithe tape being pinched therebetween, and to gummed rider ticket to the pair of hose, or perform some other labelling operation manually, even while the stockings are still intercepting light rays 208. SoV the machine continues to rotate until latch 53 can drop into slot 55 whereupon spring 35 immediately disengages the clutch, while latch 53 striking the flat wall of notch 65 stops rotation of the driven half 21 and ythe machine parts rotated therethrough.

Overrun of the machine due to the momentum of the parts thereof is thus prevented, and the shaft 15 is positively stopped at a point shortly before its final position of rest. Notches 54 and 55 in clutch half 21 are provided with their leading corners rounded as shown in Figure 11, to

vfacilitate engagement of latch 53 therewith.

Now the stockings maybe withdrawn so that light rays 208 are permitted again to impinge on phototube 203, deenergizing relay 2|6 which allows its armature 2|l to return against contact 2|8 to complete a circuit `as follows: line |86, line 2|3, line 223, armature 2|1, contact 2|9, line 256, now-closed contacts 248, 24841, line 251 solenoid 64, line 258 to line |86a, so that the clutch is again engaged.

Before the next cycle the tape must be stepped to position the next transfer underthe iron. At this time the marker |53 is still intercepting the rays 266 and the tape must therefore be `stopped to clear the said marker out of the path of said 'rays in preparation for the next cycle. Shaft 15 in its rotation has now brought depression 10 of cam |21 under roller |26 which, together with i 'its plunger ||1 is moved downward under influence of spring |06 urging frame |03, blade and vbail ||2, the latter two members being in contact as stated. Rollers 86 and 81 are brought into tape-feeding contact and further movement downward ofroller |26, plunger ||1 and their associated parts releases the clamping action of bail 2 and blade on the 'tape so that feeding of the tape commences. As soon as lug |36 passes below roller |38 spring |45 reengages latch |43 with said lug |36 to maintain plunger ||1 in its lower position for the next cycle. 4Cam |21 continues to rotate to move roller |26 on to the `high surface thereof which compresses spring |23 between |24 and |25 to store up energy in the spring for the succeeding trigger action. Just beforelug |36 and latch |43 are reset cam 243 opens contacts 249 and 249a to de-energize the solenoid |48 and open the grid glow tube circuit. It is advisable to maintain the grid glow tube dark when not needed for the tape spacing operation.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the impulse impressed on the grid glow tube circuit by passage of themarker |53 through the light pencil 266 is effective to operate the solenoid |48 to stop the tape movement. Even though such impulse is quite transient, the relay action of the glow tube is maintained to perform the mechanical tape controlling action-even if the marker |53 has overtraveled and its interceptive action on the light rays has terminated.

Grid glow tubes are frequently used where it is desired to prolong the eiiect of an electric impulse, i. e., a current impulse will serve to ignite the tube which continues to glow to operate a solenoid which requires a period of time for its operation in excess of the duration of the irnpulse.

After completion of the tape spacing the cam 242 opens its contacts 248 and 246a to break the circuit previously established, whereupon solenoid 64 is deenergized and spring 35 returns rocker 32 to its right hand position to disengage the clutch, hammer blow disengaging action being provided by pin 36. As soon as the teeth of the clutch halves clear each other, the opposite rotation of extension 45 moves latch 49 counterclockwise to put finger 53 into vslot 55 (Figure l1) and positively stop clutch half 21 and its associated parts to prevent overrun and consequent mis-timing of the mechanism.. All parts, other than the motor, are now at rest and prepared for the next cycle.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the proper postioning of each-successive transfer under the iron is directly controlled by a marker |53 in accurate relation with that particular transfer. Accordingly, if there are minute variations in spacing between successive transfers these are not allowed to accumulate to throw the transfers out of register as'would be the vcase if the tape were fed continuously under the iron, or if the tape were allowed to feed a predetermined amount solely by intermittent rotation of the feed rollers 66 and 81.

The apparatus is so arranged that should difficulty develop with the tape register mechanism, it may be taken out of action. The tape will then be fed the distance between successive transfers by means of feed rollers 86 and 81, which can be operated continuously in contact and the rotation imparted to them upon each cycle of the machine will give reasonably close feeding. Obviously the circumference and speed y of rotation of feed roller 86 must bear a specific relationship to the distance between successive transfers. However, under this method of operation the errors in transfer spacing in the tape itself will accumulate. When this occurs the operator can grip handle 85 (Figure 2) and rotate the feed roller 86 to re-register a particular transfer under the iron. Such manual re-setting will rotate ratchet wheel 84 with respect to pawls 82, obviating the necessity of rodently permit her hand to come under the iron,

the spring will yield and no injury will result to her hand or to the machine.

To assist in a proper understanding of the machine cycle Figure 9 shows in schematic form the relative movements of the various parts of the system, and in view of the designations thereon and the preceding description further amplification is deemed unnecessary.

Under some circumstances it may be found necessary to use a tape 88 more or less opaque so that transmission of light from source 26| to photocell 269 is inhibited. In such event reiiected light may be availed of andthe apparatus modified as shown schematically in Figure 6.

In this instance the marker |53 will be printed with an ink having a substantially lower coefcient of reflection than the paper of the tape 88, and the light source 40| will be positioned so as to furnish a scanning pencil of light rays 402 through focusing lens 403 to impinge on marker |53 or on the tape proper. Rays 402 will be reflected off marker |53 or the tape 88 depending on the position of the tape during feeding or at rest. The quantity of light so reflected will be more or less depending to whether tape 88 acts asa reiiector or marker |53 so serves. Inasmuch as the photocell 404, now positioned to receive the reflected rays 402 is sensitive to iiuctuations in intensity of illumination (as well as to light or the total absence of it, as in the principal embodiment of the invention) it will respond to the variable quantity of illumination reflected from marker |53 or tape 88, and control the tape feeding mechanism as already described. Y

It will be obvious that the market |53 may, if desired, have a higher co-emcient of reflection than tape 88, but the result will be the same,

namely a variation inthe intensity of the light Y striking the photocell 404. In this case, however, slight changes in the electrical regulator 29| will be required.

The mechanism for initiating a cycle of operations may be modified by substituting for the photocell 203 and light source |94 a mechanical device operated by the weight of the stocking or pair of stockings being laid on the table I8.

Figure 7 illustrates such an arrangement ln which 4|2 designates a treadle let into an opening in table I3 and hinged at 4| 3 to the underside of the table. Said treadle is preferably oi' a size sufficient to be contacted by the stocking as it is placed in position to receive the printed transfer and is so poised as to be operable down` wardly by the mere weight of the stockings. For this purpose it is provided on its under side with a fixed projecting arm 4|4 pivoted at 4|6 to the shorter arm of a lever 4|6 pivoted on the machine frame at 4|1. Stop pins 4|9 and 420 mounted in the machine frame limit movement of lever 4|6. The longer arm of the lever xedly carries a mercury switch 42| consisting of a closed container, usually of glass, of generally cylindrical shape in which the axis is curved, i. e. like a segment of a torus, having closed ends and provided with contants 422, 428 and 424 moulded into the glass tube and projecting thereinto. A pool of mercury is sealed into the glass tube, as shown by dotted lines, vsaid mercury being adapted to take a position immersing contacts 423 and 424 or 422 and 423, depending upon whether the switch 42| is rocked downward or upward.

In the modification being described the shaft 15 fixedly carries timing cams 425 and 426, said cams being provided with projections 425a and 426a adapted to co-operate respectively with follower rollers 421 and 428 respectively pivoted on one arm of bell crank levers 43| and 432. The other arm of each said lever xedly supports mercury switches 433 and 434 similar in construction to switch 42| but each provided with two terminals 435 and 436, 431 and 438. Springs 440 extending from the machine frame urge rollers 421 and 428 into contact with their cams 425 and 426.

Conductor 44| connects terminals 422 and 436; conductor 443 connects terminals 431 and 435; conductor 444 connects terminal 423 to power line |86; conductor 446 connects the other power line |86a to one terminal of solenoid 64, -the' other terminal being connected through conductor 448 to conductor 443.

In the stopped position of the machine the l parts are as shown in Figure '7. The weight of the lever arm and the parts associated therewith to the right of pivot 4|1 counteracts the weight of the parts on the other side thereof so that treadle 4|2 is poised normally as shown. i. e. 1withlts unhinged end slightly above the table When a stocking is laid on treadle 4|2, the same rotates on its hinge under the weight'of the stocking to move projection 4|4 downward which rotates lever 4|6 counter-clockwise to tilt switch 42| to its other position. The mercury flows in the tube to immerse terminals 422 and 423 whereupon a circuit is completed as follows: power line |86, conductor 444, terminal 423, terminal 422, conductor 44|, terminal 438, mercury in switch 433, terminal 435, conductor 443, conductor 448, solenoid 64, conductor 446 to power line |86a, whereupon solenoid 64 is energized to operate clutch 22 as described hereinbefore to initiate operation of the machine.

After imprinting of the transfer, the machine comes tog its intermediate rest position which may occ before or after the stocking is withdrawn fr m under the iron |82 for the purpose described before, the operation being as follows:

By the time imprinting of the stocking has been completed cam projection 425a has rotated to rock lever` 43| and to tilt switch 433 to its opposite positionto break the circuit previously formed through the /mercurypool therein.

Thereupon the circuit to the solenoid previously formed through that switch is broken to disengage the clutch and bring the machine to its iny termediate stopped position, i. e. with latch 53 in notch 55. Such intermediate stopping is provided to obvlate repetition of the cycle which would happen as long as the stockings were left on the treadle 4|2. If this were permitted to occur and the stocking, after the one impression,

`hd been slightly dislodged from the position occupied during the printing operation, a second printing would blur the rst and the transfer made illegible. Such blurred impression is removable only by a vspecial solvent rubbed on by hand, and the stocking would have to be rei boarded, adding to the expense of production.

Before projection 425a has operated its switch 433,I projection 426a has rotated to a position to allow lever 432 under urging of its spring 440 to tilt switch 434 to its opposite position, whereupon the mercury pool prepares a circuit as follows: power line |86, conductor 444, terminal 423, terminal 424,conductor 442,terminal 438,meroury pool, terminal 431., conductor 443, conductor 448, solenoid 64,conductor 446 to line |86a. Now,when the stocking is removed, treadle 4|2 rises, switch 42| tilts to the position shown, closing the circuit just prepared to energize solenoid 464 and reengage the clutch 22. The machine then operates until cam projection 426m moves switch 434 to open the circuit previously formed between terminals 431 and 438, de-energizing the solenoid, disengaging the clutch and stopping the machine at itsl nal resting position. with latch 53 in notch 54.

Two principal advantages are inherent in the mercury switch. First, it isextremely light so that the circuit closing l.mechanism associated with the treadle 4|2 may be made light enough to respond rapidly to the light weight of even a ne pair of stockings, and second, a large current may be handled without arcing, as `in this case, where a heavy solenoid 64 is supplied with power without the necessity of an intermediate relay.

III

A further modification of the mechanism for utilizing the lightweight of a stocking to close the electrical circuit controllingv the clutch actuation is shown in Figure 8. A platform 50| is let into an opening 502 in the table top |3 and guided for vertical movement therein by downturned edges 503. A projection 504 extending downward from platform 50| isthreaded at 505 and locked by a nut 506 into the longer arm of rocker 501 pivoted to the machine frame at 508. The shorter arm 509 is adapted to operate a button 5|0 forming part of a microswitch 5|I, the construction of which will 'now be described.

yA casing 5|2 is mounted to the table top I3 in any suitable manner, and contains a lower fixed contact 5|3, a movable contact 5|4 and an upper fixed contact 5|5, the contacts 5|3 and 5|4 being normally closed. Said movable contact is carried on the free end of fiat springs 516 and 5|1 which are joined at said contact 5|4. Spring 6|1 is substantially flat while spring 5|6 is'tprovided with a hump as shown between its pqints of attachment at' 5|4 and 5|8 where it is fixed to the casing 5|2. vThe end of spring 5|1 adjacent 5|8 is fixed to the casing 512 at 5|9, but as will be seen spring 5|1 is slightly longer than spring 5|6. The shape, relative lengths and position l ing of springs 5,!6 and 5|1 set up an action opg posing each other so that when spring 5|1/ dislodged from its position of equilibrium with respect to spring 5|6, i. e. moved off center, the

contacts 5|4, 5|5 close with a snap action. How- 8, ever, the principal advantages of this construcment required to actuate the switch, platform 50| will lie practically i'lush with table top I3 so that the stockings lie flat when the platform `moves downward.

After removal of the stocking a counterweight l 52| restores the lever 501 and platform 50| to switch 42| of Figure 7, the circuit and mechanism 4, for Figure 8 being the same as for Figure 7 except where distinctions have been pointed out.

It will be understood that in both modifications II and III the tape registering mechanism operates exactly as in the principal embodiment of this invention.

Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a modified tape feedinglmechanism in which, where applicable, like reference numerals are used as in the main embodiment described in connection with Figure 5.

Idling feed roller 81 is situate directly above feed roller 86 and in tape feeding relation therewith. Roller 81 is rotatably carried in a floating frame 60| pivoted at 602 on the machine frame in any suitable manner and is also provided with a blade 603 xedly mounted in said frame 60| transversely of the tape 88 as shown. Said blade -603 is preferably-ofrubber or similar frictional material.

Directly below said blade 603 is a roller 604 rotatably carried on one arm of bell crank lever 605 pivoted suitably at 606 inthe machine frame. The downward extending arm 601 of lever 605 is pivotally connected at 608 to ylink 609 which in turn is linkedby member 6|2 to the plunger of solenoid |48.

Operation is somewhat similar to the trigger mechanism described in connection vu'th Figure er 81 out of feeding relation with roller 88 and hence free of tape 88.

Upon de-energization of solenoid |48 the weight of frame 60| and lever 605 restore the parts to tape feeding relation.

We claim:

1. In combination m-a machine for stamping an article by transfer thereto of one impression from a medium bearing a plurality of impressions, a power source; a main shaft; means to connect and disconnect said power source to and from said shaft including a clutch, a solenoid. a photoelectric cell, a lightsource arranged normally to illuminate said cell, a control circuit interposed between said cell and solenoid, said circuit including timing means on said main shaft; a table to receive the article in a position to interrupt the light rays impinging on the cell and initiate a cycle of operations of the machine; a stamping member positioned in impression transferring position; and mechanism associated with said shaft to move said member to transfer an impression to the article then in stamping position during the cycle.

2. In combination in a device for marking articles by operating upon sheet material bearing a plurality of wax or other like impressions; a member to transfer said impressions singly from said material to an article; a power source; mechanism to actuate said member; a clutch for interconnecting said source and mechanism; means actuated by the placing of an article in transfer position to initiate operation of said clutch; and second means to arrest the movement of said mechanism after completion of a single transferring operation independently of the initiating means.

3. In combination in a device for stamping articles by operating upon sheet material bearing a plurality of Wax or other like impressions; a member to stamp said impressions singly by transferring the same from Said sheet material to an article; a power source; mechanism to actuate said member; a clutch for interconnecting said source and mechanism; means actuated by the placing of an article in stamping position to initiate operation of said clutch; and second means to arrest the movement of said mechanism after completion of a single stamping operation independently of the initiating means.

4. In combination in a device for stamping articles by transferring thereto a wax or other like impression carried on sheet material, a stamping member; mechanism to operate lsaid member through a stamping cycle, comprising a f power source, a driven shaft, a clutch therebetween, cam means on said shaft, and a connection between said means and said member; and second means contrllled by the placing of an article in stampingposition to to engage said clutch and connect said power source with said shaft, and third means to disengage said clutch upon completion of a stamping cycle independently of said second means.

5. In combination in a device for marking articles by operating upon sheet material bearing a plurality of wax or other like impressions; a table for receiving in predetermined position the article to be marked; a stamping member to transfer a single said impression to said article; means to feed said sheet material between the article and the member; a power source; mechanism to actuate said member; a clutch for interconnecting said source and mechanism; means actuated by the placing of an article in marking position to initiate operation of said clutch; and secondmeans to arrest the movement of said mechanism after completion of a single marking operation independently of the initiating means.

6. In combination in a device for marking articles by operating upon sheet material bearing a plurality of wax or other like impressions; a

stamping member operable to stamp one of said impressions upon an article; means including two normally opened control circuits to operate said 'member from rest position to stamping position;

.connecting said platform with said switch.

7. In combination in a device for marking articles by operating upon sheet material bearing a plurality of wax or other like impressions;ra stamping member operable to stamp one of said impressions upon an article; means including two normally opened control circuits to operate said member from rest position to stamping position; and second means, under the control of the article to be stamped, to initiate operation of said rst mentioned means, including a movable platform to receive the article in stamping position thereon actuable merely by the weight of the article upon said platform.

8. In combination in an apparatus for imprinting articles by transferring to an article a transfer from sheet material bearing a plurality of such transfers comprised of wax or other transferable substances; a member operable to imprint a transfer; mechanism to operate said member from rest position to imprinting position, comprising a power source, a clutch, a driven shaft, and a cam on said shaft; means interconnecting said cam and member; and second means controlled by the placing of an article in imprinting position to initiate operation of said clutch to connect said power source to said shaft to move said member through a single imprinting cycle from rest to imprinting position and back, and

, third means to disengage said clutch independently of said second means.

9. Apparatus as in claim 8 in which said mechanism comprises a pawl associated with said driv- `ing means in power-transmitting cooperation with a ratchet wheel associated with said feeding means, and a member to vary the angular relation of said pawl and ratchet wheel.

10. In combination in an apparatus for imprinting articles by transferring to an article a transfer from sheet material bearing a plurality of such transfers comprised of wax or other transferable substance and bearing a plurality of register marks, one individual to each transfer andin predetermined relation thereto; means for feeding said material to locate said transfers singly and successively in imprinting position, said means including a photoelectric cell, a source of light rays adapted to impinge on said cell, focusing means to direct said rays across the path of travel of said marks; an electrical circuit including said cell; mechanism under the control of saidcircuit for arresting movement of the material at a position determined by the interruption of said rays by one of said marks `:aereas-ia to locate the transfer associated with said mark accurately in imprinting position.

11. In combination in van apparatus for imprinting articles by transferring to an article a transfer from sheet material bearing a plurality of such transfers comprised of wax or other transferable substance and bearing a plurality of register marks, one individual to each transfer and in predetermined relation thereto; means for feeding said material to locate said transfers singly and successively in imprinting position, including rollers normally in material feeding relation; and means including an electrical circuit, a photoelectric cell therein and a source producing a light pencil impinging on said cell, sai'd pencil being interruptable in intensity or direction by said marks to terminate the feeding relation of said rollers and arrest movement of the material.

12. In combination in anl apparatus for imprinting articles by transferring to an article a transfer from sheet material bearing a plurality of such transfers comprised of wax or other transferable substance and bearing a plurality of register marks, one individual to each transfer and in predetermined relation thereto; an imprinting member; means to feed said material to locate said transfers singly in imprinting position; a light source; means to direct rays from said source across the path of travel of said marks; a photoelectric cell to receive said rays; and mechanism associated with said feeding means and under -the control of said cell to arrest movement of the material upon interruption of said rays by a mark whereby the transfer individual to said mark is located in imprinting position..

13. In combination in a machine for imprintv ing articles by transferring to an article a transfer; a web of paper or the like bearing a plurality of transfers and a plurality of register marks, one individual to each transfer and in predetermined relation thereto; imprinting mechanism; means under the control of an article being placed in imprinting position to initiate a cycle of operation of said mechanism; and second means under the control of said marks acting singly and successively to feed the web to locate each transfer singly and successively in imprinting position.

14. In combination in an apparatus for imprinting articles by transferring to'an article a transfer from a web bearing a plurality of such transfers comprised of wax or other transfer-v able substance, said web also bearing a plural- HENRY RICHTER. JOI-IN- H. WAHLBECK. LEONARD S. KLEINFELD. 

